feasting on the word
"If you meditate on the Scriptures it will appear to you in its brilliant splendor." ―St. Pio of Pietrelcina
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Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (C) Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 | Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 | Colossians 3:12-21 or 3:12-17 | Luke 2:22-40  The best of all Christmas presents is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. It is fitting, therefore, that we honor the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph during the Christmas season. This celebration invites us to reflect on the significance of our relationships with our parents, siblings, spouse, children, and extended family, including aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents.
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Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God The Octave Day of Christmas Numbers 6:22-27 | Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 | Galatians 4:4-7 | Luke 2:16-21  Every New Year’s Eve, we dive into the age-old ritual of making resolutions, as if this time they won’t collapse faster than our last attempt at dieting. We start off as reflective philosophers, vowing grand changes like hitting the gym daily or saving money, only for reality to set in by mid-January—pizza menus replacing gym plans and savings morphing into shopping sprees. Yet we keep doing it, drawn by the allure of a fresh start and the fantasy of reinvention, even as life and its temptations quickly derail us. This year, let us turn to our Blessed Mother, the Theotokos, for guidance in fulfilling not just personal goals but also our shared hopes, navigating 2025 with her as our model of obedience to God’s will.
The Nativity of the Lord (C) Mass during the Day Isaiah 52:7-10 | Hebrews 1:1-6 | Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6 | John 1:1-18  And just like that, it’s Christmas! There’s something truly magical about the excitement of getting gifts during the holidays. The moment you spot a present with your name on it, your heart skips a beat, and you can feel the excitement building up. You can’t wait to rip off the wrapping, wondering what little surprise might be hiding inside. Oh, and by the way, sorry for sharing this Christmas reflection so late. My study and ministry computer crashed, so Jill had to type this up on my phone. So, if you’ve got an old desktop or laptop lying around gathering dust, consider putting it under my tree so we can all keep doing the work of the Lord. Anyway, our readings today from Isaiah, Hebrews, and John all point to gifts, the giver, and how we react when we receive something special.
Fourth Sunday of Advent (C) Micah 5:1-4a | Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19 | Hebrews 10:5-10 | Luke 1:39-45  As we gather on this fourth Sunday of Advent, the season’s spirit fills the air, and indeed, as the song suggests, "it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas." With the wisdom of ancient Scriptures, we eagerly await the birth of the One who brings hope and peace to a world in need of renewal.
Third Sunday of Advent (C) Zephaniah 3:14-18a | Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6 | Philippians 4:4-7 | Luke 3:10-18  We are rapidly approaching the celebration of Christmas Day. The Third Sunday of Advent, traditionally known as Gaudete Sunday, derives its name from the Latin word Gaudete, meaning "rejoice." This designation originates from the opening antiphon of the Mass, drawn from Philippians 4:4-5: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say, rejoice! The Lord is near.” As we light the rose-colored candle on this special Sunday, the Church fervently calls us to embrace joy, affirming that we have every reason to rejoice.
When Emil's father came home, he broke the news that he might have to declare bankruptcy because his business partner had stolen money from their accounting firm. In response, Emil's mother went out, pawned some jewelry, and bought food for an incredible feast. The rest of the family criticized her for it, but she simply said, "Now is the time to find joy, especially when we need it most—not later." Her bold move lifted the family's spirits and gave them a fresh sense of hope. Second Sunday of Advent (C) Baruch 5:1-9 | Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6 | Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11 | Luke 3:1-6  The Second Sunday of Advent calls us to prepare a royal pathway within our hearts, inviting us to welcome Jesus as our Redeemer and Savior.
First Sunday of Advent (C) Jeremiah 33:14-16 | Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14 | 1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2 | Luke 21:25-28, 34-36  Happy New Year—or liturgical new year, to be exact! Each Advent, the Church begins a new year with a season dedicated to preparing for the celebration of Christ’s birth. Bernard of Clairvaux, a notable Abbot and Doctor of the Church, teaches that Advent is a reminder of God’s presence in the world. On this First Sunday of Advent, we’re invited to reflect on the three ways the Lord comes to us, as described by the prophet Jeremiah, Saint Paul, and Luke.
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About JeffJeff Jacinto, PhD, DHum |
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